Numerous laboratory parameters were examined in 235 patients with generalized psoriasis treated orally with retinoid and in 35 patients treated topically with anthralin as control. Computer evaluation of the obtained data revealed statistical trends to elevation of the total serum bilirubin level and increasing number of blood monocytes after long-term oral treatment. No other statistically significant changes of the laboratory data were found. Particularly, the liver function tests (transaminases, prothrombin and alkaline phosphatase) showed no significant alterations. Only in a few cases did the retinoid compound have an influence on the GPT and GOT levels. The reasons for this individual sensitivity to the drug remain unknown. No significant alterations were found in the control group treated topically with anthralin.

In a multi-centre study 291 patients with psoriasis were treated with (a) oral doses of the recently developed retinoid Ro 10-9359, (b) classical local dithranol application, and (c) both. In a preliminary evaluation of 203 patients treated orally excellent or good results were obtained in 120 (61%), no response in 31 (15.8%). The initial dose was 1.0 mg/kg body-weight daily, i.e. 50-75 mg, which was then reduced to 25-50 mg daily. A clinical response was noted after 2-3 weeks. Particularly, severe erythrodermic and pustular forms of the disease responded surprisingly well to the drug so that cytostatic agents were avoided. Under long-term administration, however, relapses were still seen. Most side-effects were reasonably well tolerated. But in 14% of patients the drug had to be discontinued because of hair loss, paronychia or slight elevation of transaminases (up to 40 U/I). This new drug is thus a potent antipsoriatic agent: it is effective, easily controlled and causes only moderate side-effects.

We examined the efficacy of cimetidine and chlorpheniramine alone and in combination in the treatment of psoriasis under the conditions of a randomised controlled double-blind study. Analysis of data from 52 patients revealed that none of the treatment regimes showed a demonstrable beneficial effect on the course of the psoriasis.

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A patient who had a systemic reaction to cisplatin chemotherapy had a reaction to subsequent i.c. and i.v. test doses. Notwithstanding she had a more severe systemic reaction during a further course of cisplatin chemotherapy.